Tamargo returns to lead Lugnuts' coaching staff

LANSING, Mich. - Reigning Midwest League Manager of the Year John Tamargo, Jr. will return to manage the Lansing Lugnuts for the 2013 season, the Lugnuts announced in conjunction with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.

During the 2012 season, his first as a manager, Tamargo led the Lugnuts to a franchise record 82 wins and the first-half Eastern Division championship. The season concluded when the Lugnuts fell to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps in the 1st round of the Midwest League playoffs.

Prior to last year, Tamargo, 37, served as Lugnuts' hitting coach during both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. A former Florida Gator, he spent eight seasons in minor leagues before turning to coaching in 2004. His father, John Tamargo, Sr., has compiled 1,164 victories in an impressive minor league managerial career with the Mets, Astros, Brewers and Mariners.

The Lugnuts' 2013 staff is filled out by second-year hitting coach Kenny Graham, third-year pitching coach Vince Horsman, athletic trainer Drew MacDonald and strength/conditioning coach Jason Dowse.

Graham enters his fourth season in the Blue Jays organization, spending 2010 with the Auburn Doubledays and 2011 with the Bluefield Blue Jays before his arrival in Lansing last season. The former Indiana Hoosier managed the independent Gary Southshore RailCats, presiding over a record-breaking offense that reached consecutive Northern League Championship Series.

Horsman returns to Lansing to handle the Lugnuts pitching staff for a third season. From Halifax, Nova Scotia, he pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins and served as the Baltimore Orioles' batting practice pitcher from 1998-2004. He has coached in the Blue Jays' organization since 2006.

MacDonald will spend his first season with Lugnuts in 2013. He spent the 2012 season with the Vancouver Canadians - the Blue Jays' Northwest League (A) affiliate.

The Lugnuts enter their 18th season in 2013 and open their home schedule on Thursday, April 11th, with the seventh annual Crosstown Showdown presented by Auto-Owners Insurance. The popular exhibition against Michigan State will begin at 7:05 p.m., with a special Labatt Blue Light Thirsty Thursday.

Lansing Lugnuts season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for as low as $66 by visiting www.lansinglugnuts.com, or by calling (517) 485-4500.

# # #